The initiative forms part of the implementation of the revised Education and Training Policy of 2014 (2023 edition), which places stronger emphasis on collaboration between academia and industry, according to the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Adolph Mkenda.

Speaking at a press briefing in Dar es Salaam, Mkenda said universities, vocational colleges and the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) had signed partnership agreements with more than 250 industries and 153 employers.

“These partnerships are ensuring that academic programmes respond directly to labour market demands,” he said.

Through the collaborations, more than 154,000 young people have received practical industrial training, while 612 lecturers have gained industry exposure. In addition, 788 academic programmes have been reviewed or strengthened with direct input from sector specialists.

The government has also expanded funding for innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among young people. Mkenda highlighted the Samia Innovation Fund, established in partnership with CRDB Bank, which has allocated 2.3bn Tanzanian shillings to support the commercialisation of locally developed technologies.

Under the National Science and Technology Development Fund, 464 innovations have received support, with 64 already reaching the market most of them youth-led ventures. More than 43 start-ups have also been supported, around 85% involving young Tanzanians.

The minister said the government had invested in specialised centres of excellence across the country, including renewable energy, aviation, infectious disease control, water infrastructure and cardiovascular medicine, to strengthen research capacity and specialised skills.

Digital learning has also been prioritised, with the rollout of a National Digital Education Strategy, including guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence in education.

“This is the direction our youth must take,” Mkenda said, adding that responsible use of digital technologies was essential for competitiveness in a globalised economy.

He also called on Tanzanians in the diaspora to contribute expertise and research through a new national strategy on diaspora engagement in education, science and innovation.

Mkenda stressed that peace and political stability remained critical to sustaining education reforms, saying the initiatives were aimed at building high-quality human capital in line with Vision 2050.

The government plans to expand practical education further by constructing five polytechnic institutions across the country and establishing science and innovation desks within local authorities to support start-ups, including those from the informal sector.

Notes to Editors

·      Tanzania has established 33 Industrial Advisory Committees across universities to align academic programmes with labour market needs under the revised Education and Training Policy (2014, 2023 edition).

·      More than 250 industries and 153 employers have partnered with higher education institutions, providing industrial training to over 154,000 young people and contributing to the review of 788 academic programmes.

·      The government is supporting youth-led innovation through funds such as the Samia Innovation Fund and the National Science and Technology Development Fund, alongside investments in centres of excellence and digital education to build skilled human capital in line with Vision 2050.

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